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4you Beauty Board Tests Eye Makeup Removers

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 21, 2008

If ads for popular beauty products leave you skeptical, relax. Our 4you Beauty Board's veteran testers are ready to try the latest and greatest when it comes to all things beauty. We'll share what worked and what bombed with the hope of making your life a little easier. This week: eye makeup removers. We doll up then clean up to see what works and what doesn't.

Check out our online database of reviews at TBO.com, keyword: Health.

Lancôme Bi-Facil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover

Available at Macy's, Dillards and other fine department stores, and at Lancôme.com: $26 for 4.2 ounces.

"Activates when shaken to gently whisk away even waterproof eye makeup, while conditioning and refreshing the skin. Ideal for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers. Leaves eyes feeling cool and relaxed, with no oily residue. Ophthalmologist-tested for safety."

Rating: A

Michelle says: Ain't nothing like the real thing, baby. Oh, I've flirted with the cheaper alternatives. I remember the time I bought the CVS eye makeup remover, simply because it was packaged as a Lancôme look-alike - blue bottom with a white cap. Looks the same, must work the same, I surmised - and for one-quarter of the cost! But alas, the knockoff was a rip-off, stinging my eyes and leaving half the makeup behind. So, as Mom always says, you get what you pay for. I don't mind paying the extra for the tried-and-true Bi-Facil, which never disappoints. One or two swipes, and nary a clump of mascara remains. Eyelids need a little attention, too, and get a lavish, soft conditioning with this product. Watch for those Lancôme specials when you get a free gift with a purchase. A travel-sized bottle of this fabulous remover is nearly always included in the giveaway. Try it; you'll like it.

Michelle Bearden, 53, covers faith and values for the Tribune.

Wet n Wild Beauty Benefits Beyond Eye Makeup Remover

Available at Wal-Mart and Walgreens, $2.99 for 3.8 ounces

"Gently, yet effectively removes all traces of eye makeup, even waterproof."

Rating: D-

I love to wear eyeliner, shadow and mascara. But when it's time to hit the sack, I want a remover that's tough on makeup and easy on my eyes. This wasn't it. I thought I'd mistakenly grabbed my toner the first time I used this remover. OMG! My eyes stung. They got red and irritated and my vision blurred. I splashed water and used a cleanser to quell the irritation. The second time wasn't much better. Once again, my eyes became irritated, red and very uncomfortable. Granted, I do have sensitive eyes, but when a product says, "hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive eyes," I don't expect this kind of reaction. About the only plus about this product is that it doesn't leave a heavy, greasy feel on the eyelids; at least it didn't feel that way for the few seconds I had it on.

Cloe Cabrera, 41, is the fashion and beauty reporter for the Tribune.

Eminence Organic Skin Care Herbal Eye Makeup Remover

Available at www.eskinstore.com; $28 for 5 ounces

"Effectively removes all types of eye makeup with healing herbs and extracts."

Rating: A

Kim says: I'm a soap and water girl when it comes to taking off makeup. I don't wear much, especially on my eyes, so it's no big deal. Still, I probably should be using something gentler to clean the delicate skin around my eyes. This product left me feeling soooo pampered. It goes on light but did the job when I used waterproof eyeliner or mascara. The best part is the pump: You simply turn it upside down on a cotton swab (I use a gauze pad) and pump once. It gives you plenty of liquid without wasting a drop. And at $28 a bottle, that's a good thing.

Kim Franke-Folstad, 49, is senior features editor at the Tribune and editor of 4you.

L'Oreal Dermo-Expertise Refreshing Eye Makeup Remover, Oil-Free

Available online at drugstore.com and at Walgreens and CVS Pharmacy; $6.49 for 4 ounces

"Instantly removes eye makeup with no greasy after feel."

Rating: C

Shantae says: With the makeup aisles being filled with more waterproof and long-lasting makeup products, I've yet to find something that gently removes all traces of eye makeup quickly and effectively. L'Oreal's Dermo-Expertise eye makeup remover was gentle and non-drying on the skin. It has a light fresh scent and did not leave an oily residue behind. It removed eye shadow quickly and with little effort. For the heavier stuff, it took a little more scrubbing. It did not sting my eyes or leave me with cloudy vision. Overall, this remover is OK for light makeup days, but for that smoky eye technique, it's back to the drawing board.

Shantae Brewster, 36, is the Readers Desk supervisor for the Tribune.

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